Our Music preparation expertise can help you in the following areas :

• Copying
• Tidying
• Transcribing
• Scoring
• Reducing

• Printing
• Binding
• Proofing
• Demoing
• Backing Tracks

Copying
We still receive many scores written by hand. Many composers and orchestrators still prefer to work that way. In order to speed up the process, we can provide bespoke manuscript paper tailored to the project. We can also provide layouts based on a composer or arranger's sketch and expand them ready for orchestration. If necessary we can adapt sketches from a midi file, or cross platforms from one notation program to another. We can then produce printed full scores, vocal scores, leadsheets, and of course instrumental parts ready for your rehearsal or session.

Tidying
Lots people these days like to write in either Sibelius or Finale. Some find that this can save them some time, but even so no composer or arranger worth his or her salt has the time to devote to precise formatting and laying out of parts, working out the most logical phrasing and best page turns, adding suitable cues, checking cautionary accidentals, enharmonics and so on. Nor do they have hours to spare for printing, collating and taping hundreds of pages together. We can take care of everything by tidying your scores, extracting parts, proofing and printing. It is impossible to overestimate the effect that accurate and attractively prepared parts will have on the morale - and performance - of musicians.

Transcribing
Much of our work involves getting music onto paper from an aural source, and producing parts for a band or orchestra to play. We can work from tape, CD, or minidisc, though of course these days it's much easier to simply email an mp3. We can take down anything from pop songs, to big band or full orchestral numbers, and produce individual parts, scores or leadsheets to suit your needs.

Scoring
The same applies to MIDI data. Many composers like to work in sequencing software and produce their output in MIDI files. Using the methods above we can convert these files into manuscript notation and complete the orchestration when necessary.

Reducing
We offer another service that no software can do adequately on its own: reducing a score. Working from a full score, aural or midi source, we can produce a piano/ vocal score, or piano/conductor score or a simple leadsheet.

Printing
All of our instrumental parts are laser-printed on specially sourced ivory paper. Players tend to prefer this to a brilliant white, particularly under the glare of pit or stage lights. We use a minimum of 120gsm, enough to last throughout a decent West End run.

Binding
We offer a full binding service, up to A3 size portrait, with a choice of spiral, heat, steel or 'comb' methods.

Proofing
This is the most vital part of any project, and is again a job which no software is going to achieve for you. We rigorously proof and audio-proof every score and check every part before it arrives at your rehearsal or session. Getting things right at this stage saves wasting expensive studio or rehearsal time.

Demoing
It seems that many producers and directors are reluctant to give the go-ahead until they hear something sounding almost exactly like the final recorded version will sound. A midi playback in Sibelius or Finale is unlikely to clinch the deal. We can take your Finale or Sibelius score and create an audio file in Logic Audio or Pro Tools using a vast selection of top-quality instrumental sounds, and mix it to produce something a little more impressive

Backing Tracks
We can record tracks specifically to your requirements - pop, standards, or musical theatre songs. Unlike some others, our tracks are produced to the highest musical standards, mixed and mastered with care, and do not sound cheap and nasty! Tracks produced to order start from £45 a minute (inc. VAT). For further details, please e-mail or call. Pre-existing tracks start from £20 (inc. VAT) - please enquire